The United Kingdom (UK) is one of Europe’s biggest economies and has a long tradition of protecting intellectual property.
Protection of brands is governed by the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the associated Trade Marks Rules 2008. The UK is a member of the Paris Convention, the Agreement on Trade‑Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the Madrid Protocol, and other international treaties.
Since the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021, European Union trade marks (EUTMs) no longer cover the UK, so businesses wanting protection in the UK need a separate UK application.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) administers the trade mark system; it examines applications, publishes them, handles opposition, and issues registration certificates.
A trademark is a sign that distinguishes one trader’s goods or services from those of others. The UK’s official guidance explains that words, sounds, logos, colours, or combinations of these can be protected. However, certain signs cannot be registered: the mark must not be offensive; it cannot be a generic shape or describe the goods/services; it must not be misleading or too common, and must not imitate national flags or official emblems.
A registration gives the owner the right to take legal action against infringers, use the ® symbol, and sell or license the brand. A UK trademark lasts ten years and can be renewed indefinitely every ten years.
